Incredible India Rajasthan Tour

	Duration : 19 nights/ 20 days Destination Covered : Delhi - Varanasi - Agra - Ranthambore Jaipur - Mandwa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Maumbai  Agra - Delhi

  For someone from the West, India provides an authentic adventure - stimulating, absorbing, daunting, sometimes moving and shocking. Here is one of the world's great dramas; an ancient, vast and crowded land committed to the most formidably challenging exercise in mass democracy. It is a spectacle in which hope, pride, paradox and uncertainty mingle and struggle. It is conducted on the whole, and to India's credit in the open. The lasting memories of the land are hospitality, kindness, good humor and generosity. Here is a society of over a 1000 million people, growing by a million a month, divided and united by language, caste, religion and regional loyalties. It has often been described as a functioning anarchy; and it is in many ways an amiable one, of marvelous fluidity and tolerance. Indeed, the true Indian motif is not the Taj Mahal, the elephant or the patient peasant behind the ox drawn plough. It is the crowd, the ocean of faces in the land of multitudes, endlessly stirring, pushing and moving. It is in this human circulation that one sees India's colour, variety, busyness, and, senses also its power, vitality and grandeur..................... 

DAY 01 DELHI
On arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport, meet and greet by Go India Trip representative. Later, assistance and transfer to hotel for overnight stay Delhi – the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city s rich in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of India but also a Necropolis. Because of its location, being on the banks of the River Yamuna, many cities have risen and fallen over the last five millenniums.  

 Overnight in Delhi.

DAY02 : DELHI
Breakfast at hotel Morning: Sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Drive pass historic RED FORT – Shah Jehan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone, which was built as an octagon measuring 900m by 550m and surrounded by a 9-meter deep moat, which was at its inception fed by the waters of the Yamuna River. The fort is entered from the Lahori Gate and leads to a roofed passage called Chatta Chowk. The Naqqar Khana (drum house) at the end of this passage marks the entrance to the royal enclosure. A spacious lawn leads to the Diwane-i-Am – the pillared Hall of Public Audience, Diwane-i-Khas – the Hall of Private Audience where the emperor met select visitors and the Pearl Mosque built by Shah Jahan’s son, Aurangazeb, the last of the “Great Mughals”.  

Very near the Fort is the JAMA MASJID (Friday Mosque), India’s largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan, take an interesting rickshaw ride through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to both the Fort and the Mosque. Also visit RAJ GHAT – the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit the QUTAB MINAR, a Tower of Victory which was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries. The TOMB OF HUMAYUN – the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the finest examples of the garden tomb, and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture. Also, visit INDIA GATE, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to RASHTRAPATHI BHAWAN – the residence of the President of India, which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings. Overnight in Delhi  

DAY 03 :DELHI/VARANASI (FLIGHT)

Morning breakfast in the hotel later transfer to the airport to connect the flight for Varanasi. Assistance upon arrival at Varanasi airport and transfer to the hotel. Varanasi is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus.  Known also as Kashi and Benaras, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities, and has been a centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years. In the evening transfer to Dashwamedh Ghat to attend the Aarti ceremony Overnight in Varanasi 

Flight Details
Flight Name and Number:-       SG-116
Departure Time:-                      0935hrs
Arrival Time:-                           1050hrs
Proposed Class:-                      Economy Class 

 DAY04 :VARANASI
Morning transfer for Boat ride at dawn down India's most sacred river, The Ganges. Sun rise at the holy river is a truly tranquil and breath taking sight with pilgrims standing waist‑deep in water, praying to the rising Sun. Past these bathing ghats, see the "burning ghats"  where the Hindus cremate their dead. This is done with great religious fervour which makes for a moving experience. PRIVATE The Benaras Hindu University founded in 1916 and its famous Museum ‑ Bharat Kala Bhavan which houses one of the finest collection of Mughal miniature paintings and brocade textiles. The Bharat Mata and Durga Temple and see the famous Vishwanath temple with its spires covered with gold, dedicated to Shiva, the presiding deity of the city.
Afternoon transfer to Sarnath excursion The place where the Buddha turned the Wheel of Law and delivered His First Sermon. See the Chowkandi and Dhamek Stupas, the ruins of 9th and 10th century monasteries and temples, the temple built by the Mahabodhi Society in 1931, and the Tibetan Temple. Visit the famous Sarnath Museum Overnight in Varanasi

 DAY 05 :VARANAS/AGRA (Overnight Train) = Normal Checkout time is 1200hrs
Morning kept free to explore the city. Late evening departure to the railway station to board the train for Agra.

Train Details

Train Name and Number:-        Magadh Express
Departure Time:-                      2220hrs
Arrival Time:-                           0630hrs
Proposed Class:-                      01^st Air Conditioned/02^nd Air Conditioned

 Overnight in Train.         

DAY 06 : AGRA = Nomal check in time is 1200hrs
Assistance on arrival at railway station and drive to the hotel.
On arrival at Agra and proceed to your hotel. Later visits include the TAJ MAHAL – the inimitable poem in white marble.  Built over a period of 22 years, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630, for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, it is one of the seven modern wonders of the World. [The Taj is closed on every Friday].

Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564.  A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes

 AGRA FORT built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor died a prisoner. Overnight in Agra 

DAY07 : AGRA/FATEHPUR SIKARI /RANTAMBHORE
Morning: After breakfast, proceed for Ranthambhore by surface en route visit “FATEHPUR SIKRI” situated around 40 km before Agra, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water.  This was the capital of the Mughal emperor- Akbar from 1570 to 1586. Fatehpur Sikri’s sprawling structure is made of red sandstone and combines both Hindu and Muslim architecture. The main entrance to this walled city is through the 175 feet Buland Darwaza. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas and Panch Mahal. Later transfer to Ranthambhore. Overnight in Ranthambhore.  

DAY 07 : RANTHAMBHORE
Ranthambhore National Park - With an area of 400 sq. km encompassing rocky hill crests which descend to open valleys between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, dotted with water pools and fruit trees, this park gets its name from the thousand year old fortress, which looms above the forest. Well known for the diurnal activity of tigers, Ranthambhore is a very special and unusual area where a natural present meets a historical past. Gazelles, sambar, cheetal, chinkara, nilgai, langoor, wild bull, the elusive leopard and tiger abound this sanctuary.  Dotted across the landscape are the crumbling ruins of its past glory, be it chatris or cupolas, like palaces or old guard posts, all of which reinforce the magical and ethereal quality of this great wilderness. Morning and evening visit Ranthambhore National Park for game viewing. Nestled in the confluence of Aravalli and Vindhya two oldest mountain ranges. Ranthambhore National Park is the most popular Tiger reserve. Arid forest type with sparse undergrowth make game viewing delightful here. Overnight in Ranthambhore.  

DAY 08 : RANTHAMBHORE/JAIPUR
Morning breakfast in the hotel later drive to Jaipur. Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues is picturesque. The first planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. 

Arrival Jaipur and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Jaipur.  

DAY 09 : JAIPUR
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel; later proceed for the excursion to AMBER FORT, here you will enjoy the Elephant Ride to reach atop of the palace. This journey on embellished elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience. Inside the Fort visit the Hall of Victory or Jag Mandir – is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period.

Continue your journey: with the city tour of Jaipur – visiting Maharaja’s CITY PALACE, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armory Museum, housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. Later visit the Jantar Mantar (OBSERVATORY), which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world, having 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. During the tour you will also have a brief photography stop at HAWA MAHAL – the Palace of Winds. Also visit of local markets of Jaipur in the evening Overnight in Jaipur

DAY 10 :JAIPUR/MANDAWA
Morning drive to Mandawa. Afternoon visit the grand havelis of the Nawalgarh area. Some of the finest frescoes can be seen in the havelis. Some of the finest frescoes can be seen in the Roop Niwas Haveli, Saat Haveli and in the various old forts in the Nawalgarh. There are numerous havelis, prominent among them are the Aath (eight) Haveli complex,  Poddar haveli, Jodhraj Patodia haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli and Chokhani haveli. These havelis are mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated with a strong main entrance. The walls are often covered with murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology..  Some of the famous havelis one should not miss while in Mandawa are the Chokhanis and the Goenkas. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 11 :MANDAWA/ BIKANER (330kms/07 Hours)
Morning leave for BIKANER, which was once a major trading post between Africa, West Asia and the Far East. The arts prospered receiving the patronage of a wealthy merchant community. On arrival assistance at the time of check in at the Hotel. Bikaner, the royal fortified city, with a timeless appeal in the north state of Rajasthan, retains the medieval splendour that pervades the city’s lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates.
Later Visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raj Rai Singh, one of the best in Rajasthan. It comprises of 37 palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards, carved balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The Shish Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th century Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and the Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur of a bygone era. The Fort museum has a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts and miniature painting. Visit camel breeding farm.

 DAY 12 :BIKANER/DESHNOK/JAISALMER (330kms/06 hours)

After breakfast Commence drive to Jaisalmer en-route visit Deshnok. Jaisalmer, "island in the sand", as it is also known. Rawal Jaisal in 1156 founded it. Lying at the extreme edge of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is a tiny jewel in the heart of the tar, the Great Indian Desert. Once the capital of the bhati Rajputs, the medieval city rises in a sea of sand on a low range of hills surrounded by a stone wall three miles around- a towering vision in delicate yellow hue-only infrequently broken by green oasis. On arrival check into hotel. Evening explore around this magnificent fort city. Over night in Jaisalmer.

DAY 13 :JAISALMER
After breakfast commence visit of this magnificent fort city. Inside are numerous Jain and Hindu temples, palaces, and more charming haveli's. Most of the buildings are exquisitely carved especially the facades with elaborate workmanship, frequently filigreed like lace. The seven-story palace built b y maharawal | (1763 - 1820) - a conglomeration of buildings crowned by a vast umbrella of metal, mounted on a stone shaft. Notice the historic spot, "satiyar-ka-pagthiya", just before the palace entrance; here the royal ladies performed sati, the act of self-immolation when husbands were slain, at the fall of the fortress in 1294. Visit the famous eight Jain temples and four Hindu temples built in the fifteenth and sixteenth century. Continue to visit the magnificent havelis in the fortress. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Jaisalmer. 

DAY 14 :JAISALMER – JODHPUR (290 KMS – 06 HRS)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur, once the capital of the state Marwar. Jodhpur is built tumbling down a low sandstone hill, right on the edge of the great Thar Desert. At the summit of this hill stands the Meherangarh fort built in 1459. Standing above a perpendicular cliff, the fort looks impregnable – an imposing landmark, especially at night when it is bathed in yellow light.

 Overnight in Jodhpur.

DAY 15 :JODHPUR
After breakfast visit of MEHRANGARH FORT, the walls of the fort enclose a variety of handsome, red sandstone buildings, palaces, barracks, temples and havelis. Delicately latticed windows and pierced screens worked in sandstone are the surprising motifs inside the fort. The palaces – Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and other apartments are exquisitely decorated with paintings still gracing some of the ceilings and the walls. Outside the fort visit JASWANT THADA, a royal crematorium in marble, built in 1899 for Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Overnight in Jodhpur

DAY 16 :JODHPUR – RANAKPUR – UDAIPUR (275 KMS – 6 HRS)
Drive to Udaipur, en-route visit Ranakpur Jain Temples, in a quiet and picturesque glen which runs into the western slopes of the Aravalli hills, lies the remarkable 15^th century Jain temples. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near – perfect condition. In the centre is the main “Chaumukha Temple” dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images.

DAY 17 :UDAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel Morning: City tour of Udaipur. Visit the CITY PALACE, a majestic architectural marvel which is perched on a hill and towers over Lake Pichola. The Palace is a majestic conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Visit the BHARATIYA LOK KALA MUSEUM which has an interesting collection of Indian folk art including costumes, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments and deities. Later visit SAHELION-KI-BARI the “Ladies Garden”, with its rich foliage and intricately designed fountains. Afternoon: Enjoy a BOAT CRUISE on Lake Pichola on which the majestic Lake Palace Hotel is situated. See the Ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular. Dock at the Jagmandir Island where Shah Jehan was once given sanctuary by the Maharana of Udaipur. Overnight in Udaipur  

DAY 18 :UDAIPUR/MUMBAI (FLIGHT)
Morning enjoy your breakfast at the hotel Later you will transfer to the airport to board the flight for Mumbai
Flight Details: -
Flight name / No: -                    AI-471
Depart from Udaipur                1505hrs
Arrival at Mumbai: -                 1620hrs
Proposed Class: -                     Economy
Arrival Mumbai and transfer to hotel Mumbai (Bombay) is the vibrant and pulsating capital of Maharashtra. For over a century, Mumbai has been a commercial and industrial centre of India with a magnificent harbour, imposing multi-storeyed buildings, crowded thoroughfares, busy markets, shopping centers and beautiful tourist spots.  The British acquired Mumbai from the Portuguese in 1665 and handed it over to the East India Company in 1671 for a handsome annual rent of Sterling Pounds 10 in Gold! Later, these seven islands were joined together by causeways and bridges in 1862.
Over night in Mumbai

DAY 19 :MUMBAI
After having a breakfast transfer to visit the Elephanta Caves, (Closed on Monday) 9 kms off the coast of Bombay and an hour’s ride by motor launch from the Gateway of India. The cave temples of Elephanta date back to the 7th century.  Four rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering.  Afternoon City tour of Mumbai: - Visit Dhobi Ghat, 19th century Jain Temple with its silver doors, the Kamala Nehru Park and the Ferozshah Mehta Gardens known as the Hanging Gardens of Bombay and the Towers of Silence where the Parsis dispose their dead.  Visit Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi spent 17 years of his life working for the freedom of India. Also visit Prince of museum (Remain closed on Monday)  

Over night in Mumbai

DAY 20 : MUMBAI/DEPARTURE
On time transfer to international airport to board flight for onwards destination.

TOUR END

Sketch itinerary for ready reference: - 19^th December till 08^th January’12 (Christmas and New Year Gala Dinner charges is not included)

 Quotation Validity:    01^st October till 31^st March’12 

 AIR FARE SUPPLEMENT (Subject to change without any prior notice)  

 Cost Include:
·        Accommodation on Twin Sharing room basis in above mentioned hotels or similar
·        Accommodation in the Standard category of rooms.
·        All hotels are on Bed & Breakfast basis except in Ranthambhore where all meals will be provided (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner) 
·        All transfers, visits & excursion by Air Conditioned Indigo Car    
·        Services of an English speaking local Guide during the sightseeing tours as per program.
·        01 Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi.
·        02 Safaris in Ranthambhore National Park by shared Canter with the services of an English-speaking naturalist.
·        01 Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur. (Subject to availability)
·        Train cost in 02^nd A/C Sleeper Coach from Varanasi to Agra.
·        Boat Ride in Udaipur and Boat ride in Varanasi.
·        One time entry fee for monuments as per the itinerary.
·        All present applicable taxes.
·        Assistance on arrival & departure by Go India Trip representative  

Cost Excludes:
·        Any Air Fare (international or domestic), Visa fee & medical insurance.
·        Christmas and New Year Gala Dinner Supplement. 
·        Items of personal nature like telecom charges, laundry, beverage, tips, camera fee & gratuities
·        Expenses incurred due to flight / train cancellation or delay.

Note: Please note in case of any revision on tax structure, air/ train fare or fuel price between now and time of travel the difference would be debited/ credited to you. Hotel indicated in the list above would be the most preferred hotels for the tour. In case of rooms not available in the hotels in the list, we will provide alternative hotels of similar category. Even the hotels of similar category are not equally priced. Therefore while booking alternative hotels if there is a difference in price the same will be charged as supplement. However, we will absorb marginal difference.

We reserve the right to revise the tour price in case of any substantial revision in government tax structure, fuel price or air/ train fare. However, we will absorb

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